Special Discount foe Senior Citizens – In a massive relief for elderly travelers, the Indian Railways has officially announced the reintroduction of the much-awaited senior citizen concession. Starting January 2025, senior citizens can now book train tickets at a symbolic fare of just ₹1 under the new concession policy. This move is set to benefit millions of elderly passengers who had been waiting for the return of the discount scheme after it was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Railways has published a comprehensive list of eligibility criteria, applicable trains, routes, and how to claim the ₹1 fare benefit. Let’s break down everything you need to know.
Why Did Indian Railways Reintroduce the ₹1 Concession for Senior Citizens?
After repeated public appeals, media pressure, and parliamentary questions, Indian Railways has decided to reinstate the senior citizen travel concession with a renewed model focused on inclusivity and affordability.
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Key reasons behind the scheme:
- High inflation and rising travel costs post-COVID
- Heavy demand from pensioners and senior citizens
- Political push ahead of the 2025 general elections
- Success of similar subsidized schemes in other government sectors
Who Is Eligible for the ₹1 Train Fare Scheme in 2025?
The new policy has defined very clear eligibility guidelines for senior citizens to benefit from this travel concession.
Eligibility includes:
- Senior Men aged 60 years and above
- Senior Women aged 58 years and above
- Valid Aadhaar or PAN card for age verification
- Indian citizens only
- Must travel in Sleeper Class or Second Sitting only (AC classes not covered)
Document Requirements:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card (Optional)
- Senior Citizen Certificate (if applicable)
How to Book Train Tickets for ₹1 – Step-by-Step Process
Booking a train ticket under the ₹1 concession scheme is made easy through both online and offline channels.
Online Booking via IRCTC:
- Visit www.irctc.co.in
- Select train, class (SL or 2S only), and travel date
- Enter passenger details including age and Aadhaar number
- The system will auto-apply the ₹1 fare if criteria are met
Offline Booking:
- Visit your nearest railway station
- Fill reservation form with proof of age
- Ask for “Senior Citizen ₹1 Fare” scheme
- Pay ₹1 only and collect your ticket
Routes and Trains Covered Under the ₹1 Concession Scheme
Not all trains are covered under this scheme. Indian Railways has released a preliminary list of trains and routes eligible under this special policy. Mostly, long-distance and express trains are included.
Top Trains Included in the ₹1 Fare Policy
| Train Name | Train Number | Route | Frequency | Class Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howrah Express | 12840 | Mumbai to Howrah | Daily | Sleeper, 2S |
| Kerala Express | 12625 | Delhi to Trivandrum | Daily | Sleeper, 2S |
| Rajya Rani Express | 16349 | Kochuveli to Nilambur | Daily | Sleeper, 2S |
| Jan Shatabdi Express | 12052 | Madgaon to Mumbai | 6 Days/Week | 2S Only |
| Ganga Sutlej Express | 13307 | Dhanbad to Firozpur | Daily | Sleeper, 2S |
| Punjab Mail | 12137 | Mumbai to Firozpur | Daily | Sleeper Only |
| Guwahati Express | 12509 | Bangalore to Guwahati | Bi-weekly | Sleeper, 2S |
| Mangaluru Intercity Express | 12685 | Yesvantpur to Mangaluru | Daily | Sleeper Only |
Benefits of the ₹1 Senior Citizen Travel Scheme
This new scheme is a big relief for elderly passengers who often travel for medical, religious, and family reasons. Here’s how it adds value:
- Drastically reduced travel cost
- Ease of access for pensioners and retirees
- Encouragement for interstate senior citizen tourism
- Financial burden reduced for low-income elderly families
Comparison of Pre-COVID and 2025 Concession Policies
Indian Railways used to offer 40-50% concession based on gender before COVID. The new 2025 model is more symbolic but impactful due to its affordability and reach.
Comparison Table
| Parameter | Pre-COVID Scheme | 2025 ₹1 Concession Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Fare Discount | 40% (men), 50% (women) | Flat ₹1 fare |
| Eligible Age | 60+ (men), 58+ (women) | Same |
| Applicable Classes | All except 1AC | Sleeper and 2S only |
| Booking Method | Online and Offline | Online and Offline |
| Aadhaar Requirement | Not Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Scheme Duration | Unlimited | From Jan 2025 (ongoing) |
| Government Budget Allocation | Subsidy-Based | Symbolic + Subsidy Combined |
Points to Keep in Mind While Booking Under ₹1 Scheme
Before you book, consider the following guidelines:
- No cancellation refund if ticket booked under ₹1 scheme
- Only two passengers per PNR allowed under this scheme
- If age is wrongly entered, full fare will be charged
- Not applicable on Tatkal or Premium quota bookings
- No additional discount on meals or berths
Government’s Official Announcement and Future Plans
According to the Ministry of Railways, this ₹1 fare scheme will be monitored initially for 6 months and may be expanded later to include AC classes or even suburban trains.
Key Highlights from the Government Notification:
- Policy rolled out on 15 December 2024
- Applicable for tickets booked on or after 1 January 2025
- Railway Board to assess feedback and performance quarterly
- Expansion to women-only coaches or Divyang passengers under discussion
The ₹1 Senior Citizen Travel Concession Scheme by Indian Railways is a commendable initiative that blends financial relief with symbolic respect for the elderly. It will empower millions of citizens to travel safely, frequently, and affordably. With this scheme, the government has not just reintroduced an old benefit—it has reimagined it with new energy. If you or your loved ones are eligible, don’t miss out—book your ₹1 ticket now and travel with pride!
FAQs
Q1. From when is the ₹1 fare scheme applicable?
The scheme is applicable for tickets booked on or after 1 January 2025.
Q2. Is this ₹1 fare valid for all train classes?
No, it is only valid for Sleeper Class and Second Sitting (2S) coaches.
Q3. Can I cancel my ₹1 fare ticket and get a refund?
No, tickets booked under the ₹1 scheme are non-refundable.
Q4. Do I need an Aadhaar Card to book under this scheme?
Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory for age verification under this scheme.
Q5. Can both husband and wife book under this scheme on one PNR?
Yes, if both meet the age criteria, they can be included in a single PNR booking.
